What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
reconstrue
Example
The author's latest book invites readers to reconstrue their understanding of the protagonist's motives. [reconstrue: verb]
Example
The historian sought to reconstrue the events leading up to the war based on new evidence. [reconstruing: gerund or present participle]
reinterpret
Example
The artist's latest exhibit encourages viewers to reinterpret traditional symbols in a modern context. [reinterpret: verb]
Example
The linguist proposed reinterpreting the ancient text based on new linguistic analysis. [reinterpreting: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Reinterpret is more commonly used than reconstrue in everyday language, and is more versatile in terms of formality and context.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between reconstrue and reinterpret?
Reconstrue may be considered more formal or academic due to its less common usage and Latin roots, while reinterpret is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
